ITA premium economy what to expect

Flying long-haul can be a test of endurance, especially when you're squeezed into an economy seat. But what if there was a sweet spot between standard economy and the luxury of business class? Enter ITA Airways Premium Economy. It promises enhanced comfort and services without the premium price tag of a full business class ticket. But what exactly can you expect when you choose this cabin with Italy's national carrier?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of the ITA Premium Economy experience, from the moment you arrive at the airport to your arrival at your destination, helping you decide if it's the right choice for your next journey.

What is ITA Premium Economy? Your Comfort Upgrade Explained

ITA Airways' Premium Economy class is designed for travelers seeking a significant upgrade in comfort and service over standard economy, particularly on long-haul flights. It's available on their modern long-haul fleet, including the Airbus A330-900neo and A321neo aircraft, offering a more relaxed and enjoyable journey. You can expect a dedicated cabin with fewer seats, providing a more intimate and quiet atmosphere.

Why consider it? For those longer journeys, the difference in personal space and amenities can transform your travel experience, allowing you to arrive at your destination feeling more rested and refreshed.

The Comfort Zone: Seats & Cabin in ITA Premium Economy

One of the primary reasons to choose Premium Economy is the enhanced seating and cabin environment.

More Room to Relax

ITA Premium Economy seats offer significantly more space than standard economy, often boasting up to 40% more personal room. You'll find a generous seat pitch, typically ranging from 38 to 40 inches. This extra legroom allows you to stretch out more comfortably, reducing fatigue on extended flights.

The ergonomic seats are designed for comfort, featuring extensive recline, along with integrated leg and footrests. This combination helps you find a truly comfortable and relaxing position, making it easier to rest or even sleep during your flight. Unlike some premium economy products, ITA's seats are noted for having a "less invasive recline," meaning the seat in front of you won't intrude too much into your personal space when reclined.

Dedicated Cabin & Layout

ITA Airways' Premium Economy cabin is separate from the main economy cabin, creating a more exclusive and tranquil environment. These cabins typically feature a smaller number of seats, often around 12 to 24, arranged in a comfortable 2-3-2 configuration on aircraft like the A330-900neo. This layout means fewer middle seats and generally more direct aisle access for passengers.

Power & Connectivity

Staying connected and powered up is essential for many travelers. In ITA Premium Economy, each seat is equipped with personal power outlets, including USB and C-type sockets, allowing you to charge your devices throughout the flight. Furthermore, the aircraft are equipped with Wi-Fi, and dedicated internet packages are available for purchase, so you can stay in touch or get work done.

Savoring the Skies: Dining Experience

Forget the standard economy meal service; ITA Premium Economy elevates your culinary journey with a more refined offering.

Upon boarding, you'll typically be greeted with a welcome drink, setting a pleasant tone for your flight. Throughout the journey, you'll enjoy a dedicated catering service inspired by the best of Italian cuisine. Meals are served elegantly on a tray, complete with a tablecloth, porcelain crockery, steel cutlery, and glass cups, providing a more upscale dining experience.

You'll usually have a choice of warm meals, such as a pasta or meat-based main course, accompanied by a starter and dessert. A bottle of water is provided, and you can select from a wide array of drinks and wines. For a true Italian touch, an espresso and a traditional glass of limoncello are often offered.

For longer flights, a second service, such as a light snack or breakfast, is also provided. If you have specific dietary needs, ITA Airways offers a range of special meals (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) that can be pre-ordered 24 to 48 hours before departure.

Stay Entertained & Connected

Long flights fly by faster when you have engaging entertainment at your fingertips.

Each ITA Premium Economy seat features a personal, high-quality touchscreen for in-flight entertainment. These screens are generously sized, for example, 15.2 inches on A330neos and 15.6 inches with 4K resolution on A321neos, offering a crisp and responsive viewing experience. You'll have access to a wide selection of Italian and international films, as well as popular TV series. To enhance your audio experience, noise-cancelling headphones are provided.

Ground Benefits: Smooth Start to Finish

The perks of ITA Premium Economy begin even before you step onto the aircraft.

Passengers benefit from priority services at the airport, including:

• Priority Check-in: Save time with dedicated check-in counters.
• Priority Boarding: Be among the first to board the aircraft, allowing you to settle in comfortably without the rush.
• Priority Baggage Claim: Your luggage will be among the first to arrive on the carousel, speeding up your exit from the airport.

Additionally, your baggage allowance is enhanced, allowing you to check in two pieces of luggage, each weighing up to 23 kg, at no extra cost.

Lounge Access: What You Need to Know

A common question for Premium Economy passengers is about lounge access. While ITA Airways Business Class passengers typically enjoy complimentary lounge access, it's important to note that lounge access is generally not included as a standard benefit for ITA Premium Economy tickets.

However, there are exceptions:

• Elite Status: If you hold Premium or Executive status with ITA's Volare program, or certain elite tiers with Miles & More (like HON Circle/Senator), you may be granted lounge access regardless of your ticket class.
• Purchase Option: For those without elite status, lounge access can often be purchased directly from ITA Airways, either online (starting from €49) or at the airport. This can be a worthwhile option if you desire a comfortable space to relax, work, or dine before your flight.

Always check the latest lounge access policies closer to your travel date, as they can vary.

Is ITA Premium Economy Right for You?

Deciding if ITA Premium Economy is worth the extra cost depends on your personal travel priorities and the specifics of your flight.

Consider Premium Economy if:

• Flight Duration: You're on a long-haul flight (over 4-5 hours) where comfort significantly impacts your journey.
• Budget vs. Comfort: You want a substantial upgrade in comfort and service over economy but aren't ready to pay for business class.
• Personal Space: Having extra legroom, a wider seat, and more recline is important for your well-being.
• Enhanced Experience: You appreciate better dining, improved entertainment, and priority airport services.

While it offers a great balance, be aware that amenity kits are not consistently provided in ITA Premium Economy, which might be a small detail for some travelers.

Ultimately, ITA Airways Premium Economy provides a compelling option for travelers looking to elevate their journey with increased comfort, improved dining, and convenient airport services, making long-haul travel much more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is food included in ITA Premium Economy?

Yes, complimentary meals are included in ITA Premium Economy. You can expect a welcome drink, a dedicated Italian-inspired catering service with multiple courses served on porcelain, and a selection of beverages including wine, espresso, and limoncello. Special meals can also be pre-ordered.

Can I access a lounge with ITA Premium Economy?

Standard ITA Premium Economy tickets typically do not include complimentary lounge access. However, you may gain access if you hold elite status with ITA's Volare program (Premium or Executive members) or certain Miles & More tiers. Lounge access can also be purchased directly from ITA Airways.

How much luggage can I take on ITA Premium Economy?

With ITA Premium Economy, you are generally allowed to check in two pieces of luggage, with each bag weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs). This is typically more generous than standard economy allowances.

Is ITA Premium Economy better than economy?

Yes, ITA Premium Economy offers a significantly enhanced experience compared to economy class. You'll benefit from more spacious seats with greater recline, extra legroom, a dedicated and quieter cabin, improved dining served on real crockery, a personal entertainment screen with noise-cancelling headphones, and priority services at the airport (check-in, boarding, baggage claim).